Michele Shah SRL – selected 15 importers from Austria, Germany, Poland and USA to attend a special programme at Vinitaly during the trade fair

5-9 March 2015 – Modena – Promec, Confimi, Piacere Modena Speedtasting:workshop for 10 international food buyers and 16 Emilia producers which also included visits to a selection of producers and Modena territory. A Press trip was also organized including journalists from Hong Kong, Germany and USA

23 February 2015 – Event in Oslo at Det Norske Teatret for Piemonte producers with the Consorzio i Vini del Piemonte exhibiting 27 wineries with attendance from 195 trade and 200 consumers

5-9 February 2015 – Monchiero Alto – I Vini del Piemonte Speedtasting:workshop for 12 international wine buyers and 22 Piemonte producers which also included visits to a selection of wineries and Piemonte territory.

20-23 November 2014 - TRENTINO Incoming Russian Press – Michele Shah selected a small group of Russian wine and food critics to visit Trentino and the wineries interested in exporting to the Russian market. The two days included a general tasting of 53 wines followed by visits to a selection of wineries and Trentino territory led by Michèle Shah for the Consorzio Vini del Trentino

16-20 October 2014 - TRENTINO Speedtasting bis 2014 – Trento workshop for 10 international wine buyers and 13 Trentino producers which also included visits to a selection of wineries and Trentino territory and a presentation to buyers led by Michèle Shah and Consortium director

9-13 October 2014 - CONSORZI VICENTINI Speedtasting bis 2014 – Esac Creazzo workshop for 10 international wine buyers and 13 Vicenza producers which also included visits to a selection of wineries and Vicenza territory and a presentation to buyers led by Michèle Shah and Consortiums directors

26-29 September 2014 – MARCHET Speedtasting 2014 – Enoteca di Jesi workshop for 12 international wine buyers and 18 Marche producers which also included visits to a selection of wineries and Marche territory and a seminar to producers led by Michèle Shah

5-7 September 2014 – SOAVE Speedtasting 2014 - Soave Versus – La Gran Guardia workshop for 11 international wine buyers and 18 Soave producers which also included visits to a selection of wineries and Soave territory.

1 september 2014 Michele Shah conducts a Seminar on International Wine Markets in collaboration with the Consorzio I Vini del Piemonte and Banca d’Alba, attended by over 100 Piemonte wine producers. Presentations included The Importance of Communication; How to Approach International Wine Markets; International Wine Markets – How they differ. Find more info in “selection of published articles” : La Stampa 2 September 2014

28-31 August 2014 – Confagricoltura Cuneo Speedtasting 2014 workshop for 8 international wine buyers and 14 Langhe and Roero producers which also included visits to a selection of wineries and Piemonte territory.

20-24 June 2014 – Consorzio Prosecco DOC Michele Shah organized an International press trip for a group of International Press from Life style, gourmet, and wine publications to visit the region of Prosecco DOC. Press were invited from Australia, USA, China, Hong Kong and Russia.

29 May 1 June 2014 – Modena – Incoming International Press Michele Shah led a small group of international press to discover the cultural and historical sights of the Modena area and its wines and gastronomy

29 May 1 June 2014 – Modena – Speedtasting Lambrusco 2014:workshop for 10 international wine buyers and 12 producers which also included visits to a selection of wineries and Emilia Romagna territory

23-26 May 2014 – San Gimignano – Speedtasting Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG San Gimignano DOC e altri vini del territorio 2014:workshop for 12 international wine buyers and 16 producers which also included visits to a selection of wineries and Colli Senesi territory.

19 may 2014 – Consorzio Colli Euganei – Michele Shah organized a trade event in Copenhagen for a group of 15 producers from the Consorzio Colli Euganei to meet the Danish trade at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Copenhagen

8-12 May 2014 – International Press trip Marchet (Chamber of Commerce of Ancona) Michele Shah led a small group of international Press and wine Critics to visit the region of the Marche with particular focus on the region of Ancona

6-9 April 2014 - Vinitaly Veronafiere – Responsible for selecting international wine buyers to attend Vinitaly’s special workshop program. Michele Shah conducted a special seminar for Decanter magazine, on ‘White Wines that can Age Gracefully’ presenting a selection of Italian and Austrian white wines with vintages as far back as 1995.

3 March 2014 Oslo – Consorzio I Vini del Piemonte event in Oslo. Michele Shah SRL, collaborated with The Wine Tempter in organizing an event for 20 Piemonte producers in Oslo. This was the first collective event for Piemonte wines in Oslo. A seminar was held by Lars Helliesen of Gaja wines. 150 Trde members attended and 200 consumers joined the consumer session in the evening.

14-17 February 2014 – Monchiero Alto – I Vini del Piemonte Speedtasting:workshop for 12 international wine buyers and 20 Piemonte producers which also included visits to a selection of wineries and Piemonte territory.

24-27 January 2014 – Trento-Riva del Garda – Expo Riva Hotel “Trentino Buyers event”: workshop for 12 international wine buyers and 10 Trentino producers which also included visits to a selection of wineries and Trentino territory.

29 November – 3 December 2013 Marche Italy Incoming International Press Michele Shah led a small group of international press to discover the cultural and historical sights of the Marche and its wines and gastronomy

30 – 31 August Guarene Alba 2013 – Speedtasting workshop for 10 international wine buyers and 18 Langhe Roero producers, which also included visits to a selection of wineries and Langhe and Roero territory

6-10 June 2013 – Michele Shah SRL Veneto Speedtasting – a series of three Speedtasting workshops were organized in three different areas of production in the Veneto: Soave; Colli Vicentini; Colli Euganei, and involved 5 Consrzios. Each morning the international wine buyers invited met with the producer at individual 20 minute meetings, which were previously programmed and curtailed to the number of meetings. In the afternoon importers were able to select two of the participating wineries of their own choice to visit. The aim was to enhance new commercial ventures between the Buyers and Producers.

27 May – 1 June 2013- International Study Tour of Sicily - Michèle Shah organized and led 10 international wine buyers and 8 international press on a study tour of Sicily with special focus on wine, gastronomy, olive oil and cultural heritage. The tour was based in Easter Sicily incorporating Siracusa, Ragusa and Etna. On two mornings a Speedtasting workshop was held between the 10 importers and 10 wine buyers, to enhance new commercial opportunities

17-20 May 2013 – Porto Cervo Wine Festival Business to Business Workshop – Organized an international workshop for international importers and producers (mainly form Sardegna) attending the Wine festival in Porto Cervo

6-10 May 2013 – Brazil Wines of Sicily – Hotel Melia San Paolo – together with the PR agency Cristina Neves, organized a showcasing of 25 Sicilian wineries to over 250 Brazilian trade. The event consisted of two themed Seminars led by Arthur Azevedo, President of Brazilian Sommelier Association. The program also included a tour of Retail visits and a seminar on the Brazilian market led by Christian Burgos CEO of the ADEGA Media Group

12-15 March 2013 – Hong Kong Wines of Sicily – March 14th Sicilian wine event at the Hong Kong Jockey Club – Two seminars for the trade were led by Debra Meiburg MW. A Chinese dinner matched to Sicilian wines was conducted by Michele Shah and Peter Chu for press and trade – The event was organized for 20 Sicilian producers to attend a private Wine Showcasing event at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, with over 250 trade. The program also included a tour of Retail visits and a seminar on the Hong Kong market led by Peter Chu of Asia Pacific.

February 25 – 1 March 2013 Michele Shah SRL organised two events in Scandinavia: Stockholm and Copenhagen – to promote Sicilian wines in these markets. The two events brought 20 Sicilian wineries in contact with the members of trade in these countries. Seminars with opinion leaders in each market and MW’s were organized for the trade to explain the diversity of Sicilian territory its wines and production.

11 February 2013 – Irvos/Wines of Sicily – Norway - Michele Shah SRL organized with Olivier Fauviel of the Wine Tempter an event in Oslo to promote the wines of Sicily to the trade. The event included a wine seminar led by Mai Tjemsland MW and an olive oil seminar led by Carlo Hjelkrem and Michèle Shah – participation on the 2012 event double for this year!

19-24 January 2013 – Irvos/Wines of Sicily – India - Michele Shah SRL organized together with Subhash Arora, President of the Indian Wine Academy a series of Seminars on the wines and olive oils of Sicily in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Culcutta. The master class seminars for the trade were led by Susan Hulme MW. The project was also in joint venture with the ITC group of Luxury Hotels which promoted a special Sicilian dinner at each location to VIP clients, prepared by Sicilian Chef, Carmelo Floridia, from Gulfi Resort in Chiaromonte Ragusa. The producers accompanying the road show to promote Sicily and its wines were: Benanti, Tasca d’Almerita, Planeta, Valle del’Acate, Castelluccimiano, Curto, Ottoventi, Feudo Disisa, Feudo Montoni and Donnafugata.

18-19 October 2012 – Irvos/Wines of Sicily – Poland – Michele Shah SRL organized together with Taste Italy Poland a day of showcasing of 27 Sicilian wineries in Warsaw to the Polish Wine trade – over 100 trade participated. Two seminars were conducted by Wojciech Bońkowski of Polish Wine Guide and a day of importer/retail visits were organized for the Sicilian importers.

2 October 2012 - Irvos/Wines of Sicily – London – Michele Shah SRL organized together with Hunt & Coady UK a day of showcasing of 40 Sicilian wineries in London to the British Wine trade – over 300 trade participated. Three seminars were conducted by Angela Muir MW.

23- 29 September 2012 - Incoming Sicily for International Buyers and Press from Hong Kong, Russia, Brazil, India, Scandinavia – involved 4 days of workshop meetings for wine buyers and a tour of part of Sicily of International press.

20 – 24 June, 2012 – Brazil Wines of Sicily – Hotel Unique San Paolo – together with the PR agency Cristina Neves, organized a showcasing of 20 Sicilian wineries to over 300 Brazilian trade. the event consisted of a Seminar led by Arthur Azevedo, Director of Brazilian Sommelier Association, Giovanni Bacigalupo, of Italian Wine Selection and Michèle Shah. The program also included a seminar at the Brazilian Sommelier Association and a tour of Retail visits.

June 14, 2012 – UIV TRENTINO EVENT IN MOSCOW – SEMINAR WITH IGOR SERDYUK AND LUCA GARDINI – WALK AROUND TASTING – Organized a Trentino and Trentodoc wine Showcasing event in Moscow Hotel Lotte, Special guests included Igor Serdyuk Russia’s most important Wine Critic and World Champion Sommelier Luca Gardini leading the Seminar

26-28 May 2012 – MAREMMA WINE SHIRE Event - Organized for 20 international wine importers to visit the Tuscan coast of Maremma and meet with a selection of over 180 producers – workshop visits and winery visits

26-28 May – 2012 MAREMMA WINE SHIRE Event - Organized for 20 international wine importers to visit the Tuscan coast of Maremma and meet with a selection of over 180 producers – workshop visits and winery visits

11-18 May 2012- Institute of Master of Wine Institute Study Tour of Sicily - Michèle Shah organized and led 20 Masters of Wine from different international countries on an official Master of Wine Institute study tour of Sicily. The tour lasted 8 days and covered 200 km and hundreds of wines! It covered both Eastern & Western Sicily and consisted of winery visits and many vertical tastings

3-7 May 2012 – Porto Cervo Wine Festival Business to Business Workshop – Organized an international workshop for 12 importers and 20 producers (mainly form Sardegna) attending the Wine festival in Porto Cervo

2012 # February 6-12 2012. Michele Shah SRL organized three events in Scandinavia: Oslo; Stockholm and Copenhagen – to promote Sicilian wines in these markets. The three events brought 20 Sicilian wineries in contact with the members of trade in these countries. Seminars were also organized for the trade to explain the diversity of Sicilian wines and production.

2012 # January 27-31 Michele Shah led an international educational of over 20 international journalists to Verona for the annual Anteprima Amarone 2008 rganized by the Consorzio Valpolicella. It involved a showcasing of the latest vintage release of Amarone (2008). This involved a tasting of over 70 Amarone wines and several winery visits.

2012 # January 21 & 23 Seminars on market trands for Soave wines around the world, commissioned by Consorzio del Soave and another seminar for Villa Crespia in Franciacorta on Dosage Zero and how is it perceived around the world.

2012 # January 9-16 Organized and carried out a series of seminars in India on Sicilian wine in the cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta and Pune together with Soubash Arora, President of Indian Wine Academy for IRVV (Istitute della Vite e del Vino.

2011 # November 24-27 Michele Shah led a group of international press to Trento to attend the Bollicine su Trento event dedicated to Trentodoc.
The visit included mini vertical tastings of Trentodoc wines from a selection of top producers. A walk around tasting and two days of winery visits.

2011 # November 12 Michele Shah was one of the panel speakers on the International Symposium on the Future of Premium White Wine from the international market view.
Other speakers included: Antonio Galloni of Wine Advocate – Paul Wagner of Balzac Communication – Filip Cayman Wine of Intelligence.

2011 # November 10-13 Friuli Asia Incoming –

Michele Shah selected and led a group of importers from Asia: Japan; Hong Kong; China to Friuli Isonzo to meet with producers through an organized workshop BtoB – SPEEDTASTING followed by winery visits.

2011 # October 27-28 MIWE – Moscow International Wine Exhibition

Michele Shah SRL led a group of Sicilian producers to participate in MIWE – first edition.

Michele Shah was responsible for selecting the wine buyers for the Asia International and USA International B2B workshops, as well as the running of these on the 17 and 18 October. There were 10/12 wine buyers per workshop and 20 producers in each.

2011 # September 12 USA – New York – Showcasing of Sicilian Wines at Hotel Andaz, New York, organized by the Mackenzie Agency USA

Open to trade only, incuding, importers, distributors, agents, journalists, resturaterus and sommeliers. Two wine guided seminars by Fabio Piccoli and Robert Camuto

2011 # September 1-7 Part of MIWE – Russian Creative Tour

10 participants from Russia, including Chefs, Journalists, Photographers and Bloggers invited to Sicily to tour some of its cultural, gastronomical and viticultural hightlights to be communicated in a special pre MIWE (Moscow International Wine Exhibition) exhibition week in Moscow2011# August 28-31 Speedtasting in Piemonte with 25 Langhe producers

A walk around tasting was held in Palermo with 30 wineries for USA and Canadian importers and press, including trade seminars on Toronto’s market and USA general markets. It was followed by winery tours exploring and visiting the Eastern and Western wine producing areas of Sicily.

2011 # WINETT T&T EXPORT, a private Business to Business workshop – March 2011

Advisor & Coordinator for WINETT T&T EXPORT, a private Business to Business event dedicated to foreign importers (buyers) and a small number of selected Italian Wine producers keen to establish and consolidate commercial relationships with international markets – set in Hotel Europa & Regina on the Grand canal in Venice. This event involved organizing three workshops: Europe market, USA and International markets, Asian markets. Two session were held the first in Palermo -Sicily for IRVV (Istituto Nazionale della Vite e del Vino) for Sicilian wineries and the second in Venice for individual wineries from all Italy.

2011 # Anteprima Amarone vintage 2007

Organized for the Consorzio Tutela della Valpolicella the incoming of 25 international press to attend the release of the 2007 vintage of Amarone della Valpolicella. The consultancy involved the tasting of over 50 Amarone 2007 wines and two days of winery trips ti different producers.

2010 # Consultant to IRVV Sicily for their International Events programme

From October 2010 I shall be working (on a three year plan) as the International Consultant assisting IRVV (Istituto Regional Vite e Vino) in selecting a series of ’outgoing’ events and ’incoming’ educationsls for Wine Buyers and Press from International markets.

2010 # WINETT T&T EXPORT, a private Business to Business workshop – November 2010

Advisor & Coordinator for WINETT T&T EXPORT, a private Business to Business event dedicated to foreign importers (buyers) and a small number of selected Italian Wine producers keen to establish and consolidate commercial relationships with international markets – set in Hotel Europa & Regina on the Grand canal in Venice. This event involved organizing three workshops: Europe market, USA and International markets, Asian markets.

2010 # Istituto Regionale Vite & Vino (IRVV) San Francisco US

Organized together with the Karen MacKenzie Agency an event for Sicilian wineries in San Francisco – 5th October 2010 – Vini di Sicilia – showcasing for the trade and press.

2010 # Brunello di Montalcino – Belgium & Netherlands

Small Educational for select group of Belgium and Netherlands importers and press. Included wine tastings and winery visits.

June 2010 – Organized together with the Consorzio di Tutela Isonzo in Friuli and Consorzio di Tutela Valpolicella in Veneto an Educational trip for the Association of Wine Educators – UK. The trip involved winery visits and as well as an introduction to the appellations of the two areas visited.

2010 # Trentino Spa & Trentino Sprint – May 2010

Organized two educationals. One for Trentino Spa with a group of international journalists from Eastern Europe, Russia and Scandinavian countries. At the same time organized an educational for Trentino Sprint with a group of international importers from Eastern Europe, Russia and Scandinavian countries. Visited a number of producers as well as the Trentino wine fair.

2010 # Winett Taste & Trade – B2B workshop in Venice – February 2010

Advisor & Coordinator for WINETT T&T EXPORT, a private Business to Business event dedicated to foreign importers (buyers) and a small number of selected Italian Wine producers keen to establish and consolidate commercial relationships with international markets – set in Hotel Europa & Regina on the Grand canal in Venice. This event involved organizing three workshops: GDO national Italian supermarkets; Asian markets; USA and Americas markets.

2010 # Rimini Salone Divino – Wine trade Fair 2010

Selected 30 International Wine Buyers for the Rimini Wine Trade Fair

2010 # Anteprima Amarone vintage 2006

Organized for the Consorzio Tutela della Valpolicella the incoming of 35 international press to attend the release of the 2006 vintage of Amarone della Valpolicella. The consultancy involved the tasting of over 70 Amarone 2006 wines and two days of winery trips ti different producers.

2010 # Movimento del Turismo Puglia Educational International Press

Organized an Educational for MTV Puglia for foreign press which focused on the different areas and appellations of the Puglia.

Advisor & Coordinator for WINETT T&T EXPORT, a private Business to Business event dedicated to foreign importers (buyers) and a small number of selected Italian Wine producers keen to establish and consolidate commercial relationships with international markets – set in Hotel Europa & Regina on the Grand canal in Venice.

2009 # Marche Educational Buyers and Foreign press – September 2009

Organized an Educational for Assivip which focused on the different areas and appellations of the Marche. Five international journalists and five international wine buyers joined the educational.

Consultant to VeronaFiere for Vinitaly in 2004 – 2005 -2006 – 2007- 2008 – 2009 -2010 – 2011
Veronafiere are the organizers of Italy’s largest and most influential Wine Trade Fair Vinitaly held on an annual basis in Verona in April.
The consultancy involves selecting and bringing together a selection of some of the leading international wine buyers/importers/distributors to attend Vinitaly. In addition to setting up regional wine tastings and b2b workshops for the international trade sector during the exhibition and special wine tasting evenings organized with regional wine grower associations.

2009 # Winett T & T – Venice

Acted as Advisor for the selection of 32 wine producers from all Italy to participate on a b2b event with 17 international (personally selected) wine buyers and 10 national (Italian) supermarket buyers. The venue took place in March 11-13 March 2009 at the Westin Regina & Europa overlooking the Grand Canal in Venice. The first two days were dedicated to export markets and the third day to national (Italian) market.

2009 # Arezzo Wine 2009

Selected and organized for 30 international wine buyers to attend the Arezzo Wine trade fair in Tuscany.

2009 # Amarone vintage 2005

Selected and organized the incoming of 30 international journalists to participate in the presentation of Amarone vintage 2005 showcased by the Consorzio della Valpolicella. The event took place in Verona where journalists could meet with producer members of the Consorzio Valpolicella and taste through over 70 ssamples of Amarone 2005 and Recioto wines.

2009 # Taj Hotel and Park Hotel Masterclass on Brunello di Montalcino

February 2009
Conducted a masterclass in Delhi for the Food & Beverage staff of the Park Hotel on Italian wines
Conducted a masterclass in Mumbai for the Food & Beverage staff of the Taj hotel group on Brunello di Montalcino with 50 participants attending

Organized and conducted an educational for a group of 15 Indian press and Indian wine importers for the Consorzio Brunello di Montalcino. The organization involved a full tasting of Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino as well as winery visits over 3 days.

2008 # 6-10 March 2008 Friuli International Press trip and International Workshop

Conducted an International Press trip in Friuli for Movimento Turismo Italiano. At the same time assisted with the implementation of an International wine trade workshop b2b for Friuli Producers organized by Movimento Turismo Italiano. The assignment consisted in selecting 25 international importers.

2008 # Amarone 2004

January 2007 Led a group of 20 interntional press to Verona to participate in the Amarone 2004 vintage release, which involved tasting 70 Amarone wines from 2004. Two days were spent visiting wineries in the area of Valpolicella.
Preparing also for january 2008 on Vintage 2005

November 2007. Led an educational for a group of 12 international press in the area of Dogliani foscusing exclusively on Dolcetto di Dogliani. This included a general tasting and varius individual winery visits.

2007 # Assovip Marche – International press – October 2007 and October 2008

Led an educational in the area of The Marches for a group of 12 international press. This included a general tasting and a range of individual winery visits.

October 2007 – Assisted in the organization of the Consorzio di Tutela Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene’s first debut in London. This included the showcasing of 32 producers and their wines to the UK trade at the Insittute of Directors in central London. The turnout was over 150 trade and press and a seminar for over 40 trade conducted during the all-day event.

The event was repeated as an annual event in October 2008 for 45 Prosecco producers.

Consultant for co-coordinating 40 International wine buyers from a global range of countries to attend a ’Supply/Demand’ workshop between buyers and Italian producers held at the Salone del Vino 2007 Trade Fair in Torino, Italy.

September 2007 – Focus India – Conducted an Educational for 8 Indian press from consumer and trade magazines, lifestyle, travel and major daily papers. The educational focused on the top estates of Chianti Classico and involved individual themed winery visits.

September 2008 – Focus Baltic countries and northern Europe – Conducted an Educational for 12 wine buyers from the Baltic countries and norther Europe. The focus was setting up b2b workshop meetings with the Chianti Classico produces from different production zones over a two full day schedule in which 70 producers were involved.

2007- 2007 # Educational San Gimignano – International Buyers

August 2007. Conducted an Educational for 12 international buyers with focus on Vernaccia di San Gimignano docg and San Gimignano Rosso doc. This included a programme based on a general tasting and individual winery visits. Food and wine pairing.

2007 # 2007 Veneto – Prosecco/Soave/Valpolicella: Buyers Asia

Conducted an educational in Veneto to the areas of Prosecco Doc, Valpolicella and Soave. The group included 8 international wine buyers for the Asia market and 4 international press Asia. The educational organized over 7 days was in collaboration with the three Consorzios and included area briefings, winery and vineyard visits as well s visits to local artisan food producers.

2007 # Educational Basilicata May 2007

The Eductional included a selection of 18 international wine buyers and press to visit the opening of the Grifalco Wine Estate in Venosa Basilicata, as well as a comprhensive tasting of: Basilicata DOC and IGT wines “Matera”, “Alta Val d’Agri” and “Roccanova del Grottino”. Historic towns of Venosa and Matera were also visited.

2007 # 2007 3-7 May – Alto Adige Educational

Educational with focus on small group of top UK press visitng some of Alto Adige’s key wineries as well as the “Mostra Vini Bolzano” – a general tasting at Castel Mareccio with about 60 producers showcasing more than 300 wines. Individual visits included: Laimburg Research Center and Winery; Manincor;Abbazia di Novacella; Cantina Termeno; Cantina Terlano.

2007 # Bath Wine Festival – January 2007

Speaker at the Bath Wine Festival – a festival held at the Bath Priory Hotel focusing on Itlaian wine. Gave a talk on Italian wine at the Bruno Giacosa dinner. Gave a talk and a tasting on Italian wine – showing Italy’s different regions of production and main diferent grape varieties.

2006- 2006 # Presentation of UK market to Trentino Spa

Power point presentation of the main issues that local Italian producers face when looking to enter the UK wine trade. This involved an in-depth market analysis of the developments and evolution of wine industry in the UK.

2006- 2006 # Educational Arezzo – Tuscany – November 2006

Educational of the appellations around Arezzo, which includes: Cortona DOC; Valdichiana DOC; Colli Artetini DOC; Pietraviva DOC for a group of 20 professionals -9 international press and 11 international buyers.

2006 # Prosecco Presentation New York

A day of tastings organized by the Prosecco DOC Consozorzio – Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, held at Cipriani in Manhattan, on 27th June 2006. During the New York venue Michèle Shah two guided seminars on the history of the area, the vinification process and the viticulture of the DOC area of production. The seminar also touched on the different examples of food pairing to the various styles of Prosecco.

2006 # Educational Veneto

June 2006 Conducted an educational in Veneto to the areas of Prosecco Doc, Valpolicella and Soave. The group included 7 international wine buyers and 7 international press. The educational organized over 5 days was in collaboration with the three Consorzios and included area briefings, winery and vineyard visits as well s visits to local artisan food producers.

2006 # MiWINE – Milano 14-16 June 2004

Responsible for selection of 20 internatioanl wine buyers and importers from global market with special focus on Asia to attend a full 3 days work at MIWINE trade fair held in Milan 14-16 June 2006.

2006 # Educational Trentino

May 2006 – Conducted an educational with 12 international press to the region of Trentino. The educational was organized over three dayswith Trentino Spa and included general area briefing, winery and vineyard visits and a group wine tasting of over 70 estates.

• September 2005 – Organized and led a group of 18 international press on a special 3 day programme focusing on the wines and production area of Tuscany’s Chianti Colli Fiorentini and Vernaccia di San Gimignano. The cosnultancy was carried out for the Consorzio Chianti Colli Fiorentini and Consorzio Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Consultant for co-ordinating 50 International wine buyers from a global range of countries to attend a ’Supply/Demand’ workshop between buyers and Italian producers held at the Salone del Vino 2003 Trade Fair in Torino, Italy.
Repeated on a yearly basis starting from 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007. Presently organizing the biannual 2007 workshop for International Buyers.

# Educational – Sagrantino di Montefalco 2004 – 2005 – 2006

2006 2005 Consultant to the Municipality of Montefalco and the Strade del Sagrantino responsible for inviting a group of international press and global wine buyers to sample the latest vintage releases and visit a selection of Montefalco estates.

2005 Consultant to the Municipality of Montefalco and the Strade del Sagrantino responsible for inviting a group of international press and global wine buyers to participate in the annual en primeur tastings of the latest vintages of: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG 2002 and Rosso di Montefalco DOC 2003. The educational included a special focus on the wines of Montefalco, winery visits, the opportunity to taste Sgrantino wines with the producers and a vertical tasting from 1985, showing the longevity of Sagrantino wines.

2004 Consultant to the Municipality of Montefalco and the Strade del Sagrantino responsible for inviting a group of international press and global wine buyers to participate in the annual en primeur tastings of the latest vintages of: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG 2001 and Rosso di Montefalco DOC 2002.

# Educational Chianti Classico da Scoprire 2004- 2005 – 2006

Consultant to Chianti Classico da Scoprire events 2004 – 2005 – 2006 responsible for inviting international press and global wine buyers to a focused Chianti Classico tasting, which included 17-20 dedicated small Chianti Classico estates showcasing their wines at a unique tasting held at Azienda Casafrassi, in Castellina in Chianti, the heart of Chianti Classico, during March 2004 and repeated in March 2005 and March 2006.

The aim of the event, open to the trade and press is to emphasize that high quality production can be synonymous with a good price/quality ratio. The wines on show will include Chianti Classico and IGT wines their ex-cellar prices ranging between 5 and 10 euros.

# Centro Agroalimentare dell’Umbria 2003 – 2005

Consultancy organizing foreign press and a global portfolio of buyers, distributors and importers to participate at the Umbria stand during Vinitaly 2003, Vinitaly 2004 and Vinitaly 2005.

Bibenda is the official AIS (Associazione Italiana Sommelier) magazine published by Bibenda Editore, Editor Franco M. Ricci and probably the most prestigious specialized Italian Wine Magazine which comes out every two months.
www.bibenda.it

• Ribera del Duero July/September 2004 – A profile of Ribera del Duero’s top producers and wines
• Il vino Italiano sfila a Londra – Feb/March 2004 – A profile of top dining in and out of London where Italian wines promoted by able sommeliers prominently feature on the wine list.

• News coverage on olive oil production and its producing areas in Tuscany.

• Travel features for the Wine Spectator: Tuscany (issue 15 May 2000), The Cinque Terre (issue 31 October 2000) in collaboration with James Suckling, senior editor of Wine Spectator and director of the European Bureau. Feature article on Verona (issue 30 April 2001). Features include general introduction and lead story, as well as detailed restaurant, wine bar, hotel, winery and lodging reviews. Bordeaux (issue 30 June 2001) 3 profiles of top Chateaux vintners. Interview with Relais&Chateaux, chef/owner, Michelin starred, Jean-Marie Amat – Hotel Saint James, Bordeaux

Judge for Italy during the September session of Meininger’s Mundus Vini International wine Competition.

2008 # Vinitaly India – Wine tasting seminars

January 2008 – Mumbai and New Delhi – Carried out guided wine tasting and Seminar on Brunello di Montalcino for India’s trade and press. In delhi held a masterclass on ’Wine Tasting’ for the IFOWS show.

Number of wines entered:
Totally 242 wines, each participants entered a minimum of 5 wines. The finals were chose between 8 top winemakers and a total of 40 wines which made it to the final tasting panel judged by international jury.

Objective of the competition:
To select the winery and winemaker with the best portfolio. A range of wines from each winery were evaluated to select and reflect a well-balanced portfolio and not just a single top wine.
Winemaker of the Year 2007: ?EBAV – 32 hectars winery in Tvrdonice in south Moravia, production 150 000 litres/year.
www.vinarroku.cz

2007 -2014 # Member of FIJEV (ongoing)

FIJEV is an international association created to promote contacts between wine journalists and writers all over the world and to defend the profession.Our aim is to develop the cultural aspects of wine.
We seek to undertake a limited number of projects (with a focus on quality rather than quantity), in an atmosphere of conviviality and mutual support.
Many famous wine writers are members of FIJEV, but we welcome new members. Notoriety is not a selection criterium – competence is.

2006- 2007 # LIWSF – IWSC Mastercalsses

Led an Italian wine tasting at the London International Wine Fair highlighting some of the 2005 International Wine & Spirit Competition winning award medal wines.

Led an International wine tasting at Vinitlay Wine Fair (Tasting Express) highlighting some of the 2006 International Wine & Spirit Competition winning award medal wines.

2009 Led a masterclass and guided wine tasting on Italy’s small Island Wines

2008 Led a masterclass and guided wine tasting on Hungary’s Tokaj wines.

2007 Led a mastercalss at Vinitaly Tasting Express, featuring some of the Italian Trophy and medal winners of the 2006 Decanter Wine Awards.

2006 ‘Extreme’, ‘heroic’ viticulture, conjures up spectacular images of dramatic vineyard exposures, producing some of Italy’s most exciting ‘borderline wines’. Tradition and culture have been fundamental in safeguarding the integrity and authenticity of these unique wines. Guided tasting of 15 wines from north to south Italy showing how this ’extreme’ viticulture can produce wines of exceptional character.

2006 # Judge on the panel of the Italian national Pinot Noir Competition – Egna, Bolzano

2005 # Judge on the panel of the iItalian National Riesling Competition – Merano

# Member of the Circle of Wine Writers 2003 – 2014 (ongoing)

The Circle of Wine Writers is an association of authors, broadcasters, journalists, photographers and lecturers who are professionally engaged in communicating about wines and spirits. It was founded in 1960 by the late Cyril Ray and now has more than 200 members and, although most of the membership is based in England, the Circle has members in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Hong Kong and the USA.

The objects of the Circle of Wine Writers are: to improve the standard of communication about wines, spirits and beers; to contribute to the growing knowledge and interest in wine; to promote wines and spirits of quality and to comment adversely on faulty products and dubious practices; to establish and maintain good relations with the news media and the wine trade; to provide members with a strong voice with which to express their views; to provide a forum for the exchange of information; and to provide a programme of workshops, meetings, talks and tastings.

# Associazione le Donne del Vino 2002-2014 (ongoing)

Elected an honorary member – journalist – of Italy’s Associazione Donne del Vino.

London April 2004 – April 2005 April 2006 – April 2007 – April 2008 – April 2009
Judge for Italian Wine Panel at the Decanter Wrold Wide Awards Competition.

# International Wine & Spirit Competition 2003 ongoing

Official italian representative of the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.
The Competition is backed by a group of vice presidents made up of the most influential men and women in the trade, including Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Miguel Torres, Marchese Piero Antinori, Robert Drouhin, Robert Mondavi, May de Lencquesaing, Kenneth Graham and Sir Anthony Greener.
The Competition has the support of many of the world’s top wine and spirits producers, setting the international benchmark for quality. The unique combination of detailed technical analysis, specialist judging panels, and using the Olympic principle when awarding medals means that gaining any Competition award is an outstanding achievement.

# Judge on the panel of the Tappo D’oro Wine Competition 2004

Judge to the regional Marche wine competition held in April 2004, in Offida – Ascoli Piceno. Assessing the quality of the wines and awarding prizes to top wines.

# Speaker in AIS Seminar on Alto Adige wines 2004

Invited to speak to AIS (Associazione Italiana Sommelier) at a seminar held in Rome on May 3 2004 regarding the potential of Alto Adige wines and their impact in international markets.

# First class honours degree in Humanities with Art History 2004

After seven years of dedicated studies in December 2003 Michèle Shah was awarded a first class degree in Humanities with Art History from The Open University in UK

# La Renaissance du AOC (Appellation d’Origine Controlée) 2003

Participated in a workshop held by Nicolas Joly, owner of Clos De La Coulée De Serrant organized by Porthos in Rome.

Nicolas Joly – one of the greatest authorities on the philosophy and implementation of biodynamic wine production.

# Prosecco: roundtable on wine tourism 2003

24 may 2003 Conegliano, Vladobbiadine, Prosecco DOC

Chaired roundtable on wine tourism organized for the Vino in Villa annual event held at Castello di San Slavatore in the Prosecco DOC area. The event was organized by the Prosecco Consorzio of Conegliano and Valdobbiadine. The talk included a general global outlook on wine tourism.

CONTACT

Publication

2006 Mitchell Beazley - ’Wines of Italy’ under my authorship. This is a pocket guide to Italian wines divided by region, including a regional introduction, the appellations, the wines, local foods and other useful information such as vintages, hotels and restaurants.